A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  and factional National Ex-Officio member of the party, Mazi Moses Idika, has dismissed calls for the party’s 2027 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, to step down on the grounds of zoning, insisting that the businessman and philanthropist remains firmly in the race.

Idika argued that the governorship position in Ebonyi State has historically been contested by candidates from different senatorial districts and that no constitutional provision prevents any qualified citizen from seeking the office.

According to him, elections conducted in the state since 1999 have featured candidates from across Ebonyi North, Central and South senatorial districts, regardless of political arrangements or zoning considerations.

He maintained that Chief Odii’s ambition is legitimate and should be determined by the electorate through the ballot box rather than by what he described as an “imaginary zoning system.”

Idika further challenged supporters of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s re-election bid to highlight the administration’s achievements rather than focus on succession politics.

He also accused the state government of failing to address critical developmental challenges facing the state, while expressing confidence that Odii would offer an alternative vision centred on investment, industrialisation and economic growth.

The PDP stalwart described Odii as a patriotic leader committed to improving the welfare of Ebonyi people and opening the state to greater economic opportunities.

“Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will contest, he will win, and Ebonyi people will be happy again,” Idika stated.

He urged Ebonyi residents to decide the state’s next governor through democratic means during the 2027 governorship election.

The statement comes amid growing political activities and realignments among political parties in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Labour Party, LP, has affirmed a former senator, Ishaku Abbo, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections in Adamawa.

The party also unveiled candidates for the three senatorial districts, eight House of Representatives seats and 25 House of Assembly constituencies in Adamawa.

The affirmation took place during the party’s primary election and candidate affirmation exercise on Sunday, in Yola.

Mr Sam Ochiama, Chairman of the Labour Party Primary Election Committee, said the exercise complied with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

Ochiama said candidates who emerged unopposed were affirmed through voice votes by delegates and party stakeholders.

He announced Mr Emmanuel Musa as the party’s candidate for Adamawa Central Senatorial District.

According to him, Musa was the sole aspirant for the position and received overwhelming support during the affirmation process.

Ochiama also declared Mr Peter Fwa as the party’s candidate for Adamawa South Senatorial District and Mr Dawuda Mohammed as the party’s candidate for Adamawa North Senatorial District.

The committee chairman also unveiled the party’s candidates for the eight House of Representatives seats.

He similarly announced the 25 candidates selected to contest seats in the Adamawa House of Assembly.

He expressed optimism that the Labour Party would mount a strong challenge in the 2027 elections and urged members to remain united and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.

He stressed the need for cooperation among party faithful to ensure success at all levels of the election.